Thursday, May 15, 2008

Choosing A Horse Trailer

If you have decided that you need a way to get your horse to competions or even to the vets office, you will be needing transportation. The best way to transport your horse is with a trailer. Designs and types vary widely because of different needs and pocketbooks. Also, it depends on the type of vehicle that will be pulling the trailer.

Horse trailers have different entrances Some have ramps that make it easier for the horse to simply walk up in to the compartment. Those that don't have the ramp have to be stepped up in to, to get in the compartment. It is best to test your horse in different type entrances to see which he is most comfortable with.

There are two types of "loads" that most consider. The "slant" load and the "straight" load. A "slant load" is used to hold more than one horse due to its sloped platforms on the sides. The "straight" load is only used for one horse on a flat platform.

The next consideratoin is whether you will need a gooseneck or a bumper pull type trailer. The main difference is the bumper pull is attached to a hitch on your bumper. Make sure that your bumper is rated to pull the weight your require for the number of horses you will be pulling. The gooseneck requires you use a pick-up truck as the hitch is mounted inside the bed. Goosenecks are typically easier to manover in tight spots as you have a wide turning radious that is not possible with the bumper style.

Besides these considerations, you must look at ventilation and safety. Horses won't want to get in a transport again and again if they know they will be uncomfortable while traveling. The safety issues is in reguards to lighting. Horse erally don't like being in the dark so make sure the lighting is sufficient. The other safety issue is your braking system. If you are pulling a large trailer then you will need an added braking system to be installed on your vehicle to aid you in stopping a large amount of weight.

Budget should probably go as the number one thing to consider before looking at horse trailers. Test the number of uses the transport will get against the amount you have to spend and how many horses are envolved.

posted by Posh Pampered Pets @ 5:58 PM